Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez believes striker Franco di Santo can grab the goals needed to ensure the club’s top-flight safety.
The Argentine striker has taken time to establish himself since arriving from Chelsea in the summer of 2010.
However, his impressive display in the 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers pointed to greater things according to Martinez.
“We all know the potential Franco has as a player, but he has only shown flashes of the real quality I know he possesses,” Martinez told the Evening Post.
“He’s still a young man, but he’s clearly ready to take on more responsibility.
“Probably the biggest challenge for Franco is to show that kind of performance on a regular basis in the Premier League.
“If he can do that, his football – and that of the team – will go on to a different level. He will develop into some player.
“And I’m not just talking about club level. I’m talking about the international level. And that’s a fantastic target to have.”
Latics could certainly do with Di Santo ending the season with a bang, having mustered a league-low 23 goals from their 25 games.
Martinez, though, insists they’ve turned a corner in recent weeks.
“We haven’t been able to score enough goals this season – that’s been our problem,” he added.
“However, I do feel now that we have started to create a lot more chances.
“We’re creating numerous chances per game, and we’re now at least in a position where you can see the goals are coming.
“Look at some of the games before Christmas – for example against Fulham when we were the best team by a mile yet lost 2-0.
“Now we have turned the corner, I feel we are getting more and more bodies forward, and I feel it’s just a matter of time before we get the rewards we deserve.”
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